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Monthly Archives: February 2011

My Romantic Travel   →  2011   →  February
Categories Travel

The Wedding Destination of Your Dreams

by Pushpitha Wijesinghe Posted on
The beautiful paradise island where miracles happen – Sri Lanka is one of the most popular holiday and honeymoon destinations in the world. This small Island has much to offer with its seductive sandy beaches and beautiful sceneries. Sri Lanka is full of things to do and places to see, trekking, surfing, wildlife excursions or just laying in the sun, this exotic isle will satisfy any of your needs.

This paradise island is one of the most sought after destinations in the world for weddings. With a rich cultural heritage the island has a varied selection of places where one can have weddings at. Whatever your requirement is whether it is wedding by the beach, in the hill country or in the country side having it in Sri Lanka will make it a memorable and unique experience which you will treasure for the rest of your lives. One can have a Civil, Hindu, Christian, Muslim or Buddhist wedding ceremony. Traditional to the locals is the Lankan Poruwa Ceremony which can be done after the couple’s religious or civil ceremony or in combination with it. The Poruwa ceremony takes about 45 minutes, where the groom would be escorted by colorfully attired traditional dancers and drummers to a small stage which is called the Poruwa, which would be beautifully decorated with flowers. You could also make it a bit more exciting by arriving on the back of a elaborately dressed elephant. The entire ceremony is performed on the Poruwa and at the conclusion, the couple will light a traditional oil lamp which symbolizes their togetherness and resolve to be committed to each other for a brighter future. To organize a wedding in Sri Lanka you can use the services of the hotel you are planning to have it in or a local wedding planner.

If the thought of a Sri Lankan wedding excites you, it is important that you have reliable source to rent a car from in which you can do all your Sri Lanka travel. It is advisable that you rent a car from a reputed and established Sri Lanka car rental. Malkey Rent A Car will ensure that you have the perfect car on time with a chauffer to make your wedding day that much special.

Categories Travel

The Dikwella Blow Hole

by Pushpitha Wijesinghe Posted on
Dikwella is a quiet coastal town some 20 kilometres to the east of Matara in the South of Sri Lanka. Up until recently, the place was only of interest to Buddhist pilgrims on their way to pay homage to the Wewurukulana Vihara along the Beliatta road, the site of the tallest Buddha stature in Sri Lanka. In recent decades however, the town is growing in popularity as a tourist resort and with it, more and more people are discovering the fascinating natural phenomenon found nearby – the Blow Hole of Dikwella.
A blow hole is a something which occurs when a rock set upon high tides contains a fissure. When the pressure of the collected water below grows high, a jet of water forces its way upward from within the fissure, creating what is known as a blow hole. This is a very rare and engaging natural phenomenon.

Despite its name, the blow hole is actually found at Kudawela, 6 kilometres to the east of Dikwella. Here, secreted in a beautiful beach of golden surf and turquoise sea is found the only blow hole in the country; one of the handful found in the world. This is locally known as the “Hoo-maniya”, named thus because of the sound the blow hole makes before the water spurts upward. R.L. Broheir first catapulted this site into the international awareness by including an account of it in his famous book “Seeing Ceylon”, published in the 1960s.

Today, the popularity of the blow hole as a tourist attraction is evidenced by the number of food and drink kiosks and vendors who cluster around the shallow stairs that lead up the cliff. The sea-food delicacies hawked here are a particular favourite among sight-seers.

The blow hole is seen upon a wide expanse of rock atop a cliff. The stream of water spurts up from a fissure that runs down a split in the middle of the rock. The ominous “hoo-hoo” noise that emanates from this opening can be heard like distant thunder from some distance away. This is the sound of the water pressure rising, causing onlookers to tense in anticipation.
However, the moment when the fountain erupts upward always catches them unawares. A loud whooshing sound accompanies a great sea spray shoots into the sky, reaching to a height of 120 feet at times before forming a mushroom at its apex and drenching sight-seers around.

Although this usually happens at 10-15 minute intervals, the wait is always tense, especially for a photographer waiting to capture the fountain in all its glory. Only the lucky and persevering few are rewarded in this respect. The monsoon season of June to July is considered the time when the blow hole is at its finest.

Visitors who travel here to view this rare occurrence can also delight in the surrounding shore, which is among some of the loveliest Sri Lanka beaches, with rock pools of vibrant fish and shallows suitable for swimming. The resorts of the John Keells Hotels Group are recommended options for those seeking accommodation at one of the nearby Sri Lanka beach hotels, as this chain of hotels is a well-reputed for its luxury hospitality.

Categories Travel

Beaches

by Pushpitha Wijesinghe Posted on

When it comes to a tropical beach holiday in Asia, the enigmatic and bountiful allure of Thailand is quite unmistakable. The seafront landscape of the land teems with holidaymakers every year as they crowd the sun-swept beaches to enjoy the best beach vacation you can find in Asia. The cream of Thai beaches are found towards the South of the country as the land thins out and reaches out like an arm into the sea, and the Si Kao district in Trang province is never a place overlooked in the hunt for the perfect seaside.
Si Kao is home to several outstandingly beautiful beaches along its coastline. Apart from that, an inquisitive traveller is free to explore inland as the district has several other places bound to stoke your curiosity such as the Wat Tham Khaopedan caves and Angthong waterfall. The beaches of Si Kao are good for a nice refreshing swim, a bit of surfing or just soaking up the sun lazing on the sands, and they are home to many chic resorts and hotels as well.
One of the most well-known among Si Kao’s beaches is Pakmeng beach which lies towards the south west. The waters are very shallow here, and even if it’s not ideal for a swim, the place is good for some family fun or just wading out to explore the islands dotting the shoreline. Further along near the Si Kao bay, you will find the lesser known but picturesque beachfront of Kong Thuan which is an ideal hangout if you’re in the mood for some solitude and peace of mind. Hat Chao Mai National Park is also close by, where beachgoers enjoy the sunlight and shade in equal measure among green groves and clean white sands. Even if it is a favoured spot among travellers, you’ll find this beach to be quite peaceful. To your delight, most beaches of Si Kao will be having good food and beverages available, with showers and toilet facilities close at hand.
Beaches around Si Kao and in the Province of Trang in general have no lack of visitors, and ever in demand Si Kao hotels are set and waiting to welcome them to a holiday worth enjoying to your heart’s content. Hotels in Si Kao such as the Anantara Saiko, Thailand are stylish affairs that proudly embrace the delightfully pleasant Thai traditions which are bound to leave you with a lingering feeling of familiarity and homely warmth. Enjoy your stay at the hotels and resorts but do not stop your quest for the perfect beach; apart from what’s mentioned here, the coast of Si Kao are home to many more wondrous stretches of sand that are waiting to be explored.
Categories Travel

Arts in the Park

by Pushpitha Wijesinghe Posted on
On its surface, Singapore can be dismissed out of hand by the weary traveler as yet another sterile and superficial Asian city, a mere shopaholic’s dream. However, this description barely scratches the surface of the soul and innovation of its people who are the product of a cultural and ethnic melting pot, shaped by the influences of all four corners of the globe. This trait is best showcased when the normally staid and orderly streets erupt in the profusion of light and color brought on by a national festival.

The Arts in the Park Festival can be said to be one of the most charismatic and vivacious of the Singaporean calendar of events. Held throughout the month of July, coinciding with the riotous Food Festival, this event features a myriad of musical and dramatic performances, arts shows and street theatre all coming to life in makeshift performance and exhibition venues formed by the city-state’s many parks and outdoor venues. Musical performances are the most appreciated type of entertainment by the masses in search of revelry, from choir to bands to Chinese Orchestra, although it is customary to find almost any type of street entertainment amply well attended with jam-packed crowds.

The Arts in the Park Festival puts great emphasis on the creative development of children and youths. As such, most of the amateur drama and concerts which take place in the beautifully landscaped and famously clean parks of the city are comprised of students and young adults. The Art Park in particular has a Park Stage for such performances, as well as the Trees of Arts and Creativity Stage which facilitate interactions between adult audiences and the young talent, creating an environment of artistic enrichment and inter-generational dialogue through the medium of the arts. The Art Park also hosts exhibitions featuring the entries submitted to the art competition organized by the Urban Redevelopment Authority, which was introduced as a means of commemorating the new bridge at whose northern end the park is located.

This is only one of the many such draws and entertainments offered by Singapore during the summer months which can be enjoyed by tourists staying at a Singapore hotel. For those looking for a five star hotel in Singapore that affords them both ease of access to the Festival’s most happening places and value for money, you can’t go wrong when making a reservation at the Raffles Hotel, Singapore. Located at the heart of the city-state’s business district and in convenient proximity to its major transport links, the colonial style hotel is also a Singaporean landmark and the first choice of the elite and the exclusive.

Categories Uncategorized

The paradise isles for a beautiful beach wedding

by Pushpitha Wijesinghe Posted on
A band of sun-kissed islands with sparkling blue ocean waters caressing the golden beaches seem to be a combination themed on romance. Indeed the numerous islands of the Maldives seem made for romance, whether by the merry sunny hours amidst the ocean or the serene moonlight beaches at night. This bevy of islands with their tropical beauty and exotic locations for residence and ceremonies seem to invite lovebirds to pledge their vows for life amongst their native grace and beauty.
A wedding in Maldives is even better than what dreams conjure up in the countless travels of the imagination. The locations are exotic, exploiting the beauty of the coastal areas of the island, the shallow areas of the ocean as well as the tropical weather and natural light of idyllic sunsets; evening ceremonies under the mellow moon that rises clearly on the island are popular. It is indeed one of the ideal places in all of southeast Asia to have a beach wedding. The tropical blue waters, abundant sunshine and seductive sunsets blend naturally with the emotions of the moment and heighten them into a dreamy state.

On the shores of Maldives, luxurious hotels that are expert in mingling indoor luxuries with outdoor splendour are well equipped to handle and host beach weddings. The Anantara Veli, Maldives is one such Maldives island resort that promises delightful seclusion in their residences set over the shallow part of the ocean. Maldives bungalows are definitely themed on romance and over the years have hosted many beach weddings tailored to the couple’s requirement. In these over water bungalows, while listening to the waves, rocked by the ceaseless hum of the ocean, one can surrender to blissful contentment in the company one cherishes most. In the wee hours of the morning, dawn sends its rosy messengers with soft hues over the eastern sky and peeks into these water bungalows awakening their occupants with its pristine glow. On the shore there’s enough space to stroll around and whisper sweet nothings in a luxurious stretch of palm fringed golden sands. Many couples choose Maldives for their beach wedding and the hotels are well equipped and prepared to choreograph events of this caliber.

Categories Travel

Trang Underwater Wedding Event

by Pushpitha Wijesinghe Posted on

The international wedding market is a bewildering ebb-and-flow of ever-changing demand and ever-varying options as more and more betrothed couples seek the newest, best and most memorable events and venues in which to exchange their life-changing “I dos”. However, couples who share a mutual appreciation for undersea life who whisk themselves off to the tropical paradise of Trang come the month of February are in for a very out-of-the-box wedding experience, to say the least.

Seemingly having exhausted the venue options for memorable weddings above ground, throngs of the more adventurous trek all the way to Trang in Southern Thailand on Valentine’s Day to exchange their vows – underwater! It’s all perfectly legal and executed according to traditional Thai wedding rituals, except for the bit underwater. All you need to be part of this mass underwater ceremony is an adventurous spirit and an international diving licence.

Even if one were having their wedding on land, one would be hard-pressed to think of a better venue for their dream wedding than Thailand’s coastal province of Trang. Comprising an archipelago of over 40 islands off the brilliant blue Andaman Sea, the province of Trang is bounded by a dramatic mountainous terrain of white-water cascades threading through unspoilt rainforest and verdant rubber plantations. The mighty Trang River cuts through the heart of the province, originating from the Banthat mountains to flow into the Andaman Sea.

Since the Valentine’s Day of 1997, dozens of couples from around the world have flocked to Trang to take part in this now-world famous ceremony. The brides and bridegrooms are treated to a warm reception at the Trang airport and carried in grand procession around town before they are taken to Koh Kradan Island.

Koh Kradan is now the best-known of the archipelago due to this event, which has been declared in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s largest underwater wedding ceremony. The couples literally take the plunge – up to 12 metres below sea level – in full scuba regalia to sign their marriage commitment on the ocean floor surrounded by a translucent blue undersea vista.
The newlyweds emerging victorious from beneath the waves are paraded around the city in lavish style, clothed in traditional Thai bridal outfits, before being escorted to their elegantly appointed honeymoon suites.

Travellers seeking a recommendation for an idyllic and romantic getaway in Trang are directed to the Anantara Si Kao Resort and Spa. Situated in Amphoe Si Kao, one of the archipelagos of the Trang province, this is one of the most luxurious Krabi resorts appearing amidst a charming private beach. This resort is ideal for travellers looking for Krabi villas that offer an unspoilt natural hideaway in tranquil seclusion.

Categories Travel

Beaches in Sri Lanka

by Pushpitha Wijesinghe Posted on
The island nation of Sri Lanka is blessed with a wealth of natural bounty throughout its shores and when it comes to beaches, there is no exception. Travellers will find a vast offering of beaches located all over the island during their travel in Sri Lanka.

In most parts of Sri Lanka visitors will find that they can access a beach with relative ease due to the sheer number of them in the country. These pristine beaches provide a host of activities in addition to the prospect of a cool breeze, soothing scenery and generally pleasant weather.

For travellers who don’t like to get wet, just briefly wading in the water provides a relaxing sensation of having water run over your feet as you move about the soft sand. The more adventurous can venture out in to the waters for a leisurely swim.

Travellers can also dive beneath the waves and discover coral reefs in the waters off Bentota for example while diving off any of the beaches will presents visitors with a diverse array of marine life to spot. Snorkelling is another popular activity that allows those afraid of diving to still gaze upon the many wonders that lie beneath the waves in Sri Lanka. The many beaches also lend themselves well for surfing which can be indulged in just about any beach. Sri Lanka has gained popularity amongst surfing enthusiasts worldwide.

Sea turtles are another popular attraction especially in the beaches of Kosgoda. These peaceful and gentle creatures come ashore to lay their eggs, which has become a popular event to witness.

Sri Lanka with its many beaches is a perfect destination for swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving and a variety of water surface related activities including jet skiing. During your Sri Lanka travel renting a car removes the hassle of find transport during your trip. Malkey Rent A Car provides a Sri Lanka car rental option that offers a variety of automobiles ensuring that travellers will find an option suitable to their needs.

Categories Travel

Beach Holiday in Penang

by Pushpitha Wijesinghe Posted on
The island state of Penang is known among the locals by many names such as Pulau Mutiara, Pulau Pinang and Pulau Ka Satu which have evolved with the passing of time and is now simply known as Penang. All the former names which were given to Penang had meaning behind it. For an example Pulau Mutiara meant ‘the pearl of the orient’ while Pulau Pinang meant ‘betel nut island’. Although its name has changed from the pearl of the orient it still retains the charm that it used to boast of decades ago. The sub tropical weather conditions that prevail in this region make it an ideal breeding ground for hundreds of animal species and plants alike. Travellers to the island can also look forward to sampling a fascinating array of mouthwatering local delicacies.
Another aspect of Penang which draws in hundreds of travellers to its shores each year is its gorgeous beaches which decorate the extremities of the island. The golden sand, the turquoise seas and the healing warmth of the sun is exactly what you get when you visit Batu Ferringhi Beach which is one of the most popular coastal locations in the northern part of the island among travellers to the region. This stretch of beach has a number of hotels where you can find accommodation in and the Batu Ferrighi Sidewalk Bazaar which comes to life in the evening gives you the chance to cash in on some great deals.

Teluk Bahang Beach on the other hand is a not as busy, which is ideal for a private picnic or a perfect spot to soak up the sun while enjoying a good read. This beach is located to the west of Batu Ferringhi Beach and is in close proximity to the Forest Recreation Park and Museum where visitors get the chance to get an understanding about the plant and animal life in the area. The Fishing village of Teluk Bahang is the best place for you to enjoy a satisfying Chinese seafood meal that comes with an unmistakable Malaysian touch.

Guests can stay in any that meets their fancy when they visit the island but the Copthorne Orchid Hotel Penang offers unparallel services to ensure a comfortable stay in the city. This one of a kind hotel in Penang is an ideal rest for leisure and business travellers alike.

Categories Uncategorized

Arugam Bay- Beauty Unmatched

by Pushpitha Wijesinghe Posted on
The enchanting island located in the Indian Ocean, shaped by Mother Nature to the form of a tear drop is known to many a traveler around the world as Sri Lanka. This wondrous land is home to some of the most attractive beaches on the face of the earth and is packed with a number of cultural attractions such as museum, temples and ancient palaces. One of the most unique features of Sri Lanka is that one is able to travel to many different climatic regions within the country offering the travelers a bit of everything when exploring the island. From lush tropical rainforests teeming with life to golden sandy beaches with crystal clear waters to vast, open, dry plains can be found when in this fascinating country. However, most seasoned travelers would agree that the gorgeous beaches of Sri Lanka are what draw in most visitors to this island nation.
Located on the eastern part of the island, Arugam Bay is a picturesque coastal area which is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country mainly due to its surfer friendly beaches. Although it was struck by a devastating tsunami several years ago, which claimed the lives of thousands of Sri Lankans across the country, Arubam Bay has managed to recover quite well to re-establish itself as one of the most loved tourist destinations in Sri Lanka.

Visitors to this captivating comer of the country will find that surfing in Arugam Bay is an exhilarating experience as the beaches here are perfect for both professional and novice surfers. A walk to the city will give the visitor a chance to buy a few mementos from the small boutiques selling various handicrafts and other collectibles. Those who wish to just relax on the beach soaking up the sun will be in heaven as the sun shines on these pristine beaches during most months of the year.

Truly Sri Lanka is an online travel guide that can assist the globetrotter pick the ideal destination for a perfect Sri Lanka holiday. The modern traveler will find the insightful information provided on various destinations in the country to be of great use and will enable you to make the most of your Sri Lanka travel experience.

Categories Travel

Chelsea Flower Show

by Pushpitha Wijesinghe Posted on

One of the great metropolises of the world, London is a dichotomy of royalist traditionalism and high society meeting modern cosmopolitan commerce. Of the calendar of the city’s social events that annually draw crowds from all over the globe; none blends the aforementioned aspects together as seamlessly as the Chelsea Flower Show.

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show, or the Great Spring Show as it is officially called, is the red-letter event of the world’s leading horticultural organization, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). This gargantuan enterprise is one of the highlights of London’s social season, being the gardening equivalent of the Milan catwalk shows. It is an event which usually spans five days, the first two permitting attendance only to the members of the RHS and the royal family whose patronage the RHS enjoys. Having been held in an annual tradition spanning 200 years, the exhibition has long been hosted within the 11 acre grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea in London.

The cream of the world’s garden designers, landscape artists and nurseries come together to compete for the medals awarded to the best creations and “show gardens” (small delightfully imaginative inspirational gardens), introduce new varieties of flora and revive the appeal of older varieties. The centerpiece of the show is the Grand Pavilion, which is a vibrant floral marquee showcasing the best in horticultural achievement of the most elite names in the world of gardening.

Despite being televised by the BBC and receiving a lot of press, only around 150,000 visitors can be admitted to the show each year due to the limitations of ground capacity and tickets are sold out well in advance. Children under the age of 5 are not admitted. It can take a full day of walking to explore the numerous gardens, so visitors are advised to plan their day ahead of time using the show catalogues which are issued with the tickets, wear comfortable shoes and bring umbrellas in case of rain. Those unlucky enough to miss out can buy the official DVD of the event which is issued by the RHS.

For visitors staying at a London apartment hotel especially in the exclusive district of Mayfair, this is the must-not-miss social event of the season. Ascott London Mayfair is highly recommended for seekers of luxury London serviced apartments who wish for prime access to this and many more of the city’s high society events.

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